IPL 9: Now, spectators to get chance to play third umpire too

IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla today said that in this season of the popular T20 tournament, the viewers too would get a chance to air their views on decisions referred to the third umpire.

"They will be given a placard, and whatever they say, out or not out, that will be caught by the camera and shown on the screen....but the decision of the third umpire will be final," he added.

"This opinion will not matter to the third umpire, he will go as per whatever he sees on the (TV) screen," he said, speaking to reporters at a function here. This will increase the involvement of the viewers, he said.

Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif and the singer Yo Yo Honey Singh, among others, would be performing in the IPL opening ceremony on April 8 at Worli in Mumbai, Shukla said.

"To strengthen (anti-corruption measures) BCCI President has spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister to ask if the services of Mumbai police can be availed of; thenanti-corruption unit, ICC anti-corruption unit, Mumbai police can together seek information and act on it," he added.

Asked if too much cricket was being played, Shukla said the season will culminate with IPL.